Iceland-10-days: self-drive-nature-adventure

Arrive at Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavík - Iceland (Airport Code: KEF). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Look for a JrnyOn representative holding a placard with the JrnyOn logo. Proceed to your hotel in a pre-arranged transfer vehicle.

Duration: 48 minutes
Distance: 50 kms / 31 miles

Pick up your hire car at Keflavík Airport. Grab the keys, check the vehicle, and start your journey.

Cross Reykjanes Peninsula’s dramatic lava fields as you journey towards vibrant Reykjavík.

Duration: 40 minutes
Distance: 51 kms / 31 miles

Celebrate your arrival with a warm welcome dinner in Reykjavík, where Icelandic flavours meet cozy Nordic ambiance.

Visit the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading falls for a unique perspective. Experience the refreshing mist and stunning views from both the front and behind the waterfall.

Visit the iconic Skógafoss Waterfall, where a powerful curtain of water cascades down from a height of 60 metres. Walk up close to feel the mist or climb the steps for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visit Dyrhólaey, a dramatic coastal viewpoint known for its striking sea arch carved by the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy panoramic views of black sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and the vast coastline stretching along Iceland’s South Coast.

Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach is famed for its dramatic basalt columns, towering sea stacks, and powerful Atlantic waves crashing on the shore. The unique volcanic black sand creates a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. It's one of Iceland’s most iconic and awe-inspiring coastal landscapes.

Skaftafell is a breathtaking nature reserve within Vatnajökull National Park in southeast Iceland, renowned for its dramatic contrast of glaciers, black basalt columns, and lush green forests. Located along the Ring Road, it is a premier hiking destination offering easy trails to Svartifoss waterfall and glacier viewpoints, alongside challenging peaks.

Visit the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where floating icebergs drift across crystal-clear waters fed by the Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier. Take in the surreal landscape and watch the ever-changing formations of ice as they move through the lagoon.

Diamond Beach is a striking black sand beach where icebergs from the nearby Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon wash ashore, glistening like diamonds. The contrast between the clear, sculpted ice and the dark volcanic sand creates a surreal and photogenic scene. It's one of Iceland’s most iconic and mesmerizing natural sights.

Djúpivogur is a small town and former municipality located on a peninsula in the Austurland region in eastern Iceland, near the island of Papey and on the fjord Berufjörður.

Nestled in Iceland’s East Fjords, Fáskrúðsfjörður charms with its French heritage. You walk through historic streets where signs remain bilingual. Explore the hospital museum and enjoy serene coastal views.

Step into Iceland’s East Fjords. Explore the mystical banks of Lake Lagarfljót from this perfect base. Walk through Hallormsstaðaskógur forest, hunt for the lake wyrm and enjoy serene glacial views.

Drive through the remote landscapes of East and North Iceland, passing volcanic terrain, rugged highlands, and dramatic natural scenery en route to Lake Mývatn.

Distance: approx. 290 kms / 180 miles
Duration: 4 hours

Visit the powerful Dettifoss Waterfall, known as one of Europe’s most forceful waterfalls. Experience the sheer volume and thunderous flow of water cascading into a rugged canyon, creating a dramatic natural spectacle.

Visit Víti Crater, a striking volcanic explosion crater filled with vivid blue water. Formed during a series of eruptions in the Krafla volcanic system, it offers spectacular views of Iceland's colourful and otherworldly volcanic landscapes.

Explore the rugged Krafla Lava Fields, a vast landscape of hardened lava flows created by powerful volcanic eruptions. The area offers a fascinating glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic origins, with dramatic formations and stark, otherworldly scenery stretching across the horizon.

Explore the striking Námaskarð Geothermal Area, where steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and vividly coloured mineral-rich earth create one of Iceland’s most dramatic geothermal landscapes. The area offers a fascinating glimpse into the powerful volcanic forces at work beneath the surface.

Visit Grjótagjá Lava Cave, a small lava cave hidden within a volcanic fissure, home to a crystal-clear geothermal spring. Surrounded by dramatic lava formations, the cave gained international fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Hverfjall is 396 meter (1300 ft) high tephra explosion crater. It is located near the eastern shore of Lake Myvatn in northern Iceland.

Explore the dramatic Dimmuborgir lava formations, a surreal landscape of towering volcanic rock structures and caves. Walk through this unique area often referred to as the “Dark Castles” and experience its otherworldly beauty.

Mývatn Nature Baths, also known as Jarðböðin, is a serene geothermal spa located near Lake Mývatn in North Iceland. The lagoon's warm waters, rich in minerals and silica, offer a soothing experience amidst a stunning volcanic landscape. With temperatures ranging from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F), visitors can relax in the pools, enjoy steam baths, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding nature. The facility also features a restaurant and offers a tranquil alternative to the more crowded Blue Lagoon.

Enjoy a scenic drive through North Iceland, passing volcanic landscapes, rolling countryside, and picturesque valleys en route to Akureyri.

Distance: 90 kms / 56 miles
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum, Iceland’s premier museum dedicated to whales and marine life. Explore fascinating exhibits, life-sized whale skeletons, and interactive displays that offer insight into the diverse species inhabiting Icelandic waters.

Visit the stunning Goðafoss Waterfall, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” admired for its sweeping horseshoe shape and historical significance. Enjoy the powerful cascades and scenic surroundings that make it one of Iceland’s most iconic natural sights.

Explore Akureyri, a charming town nestled along a scenic fjord in northern Iceland. Wander through colourful streets, cosy cafés, and visit landmarks like the iconic Akureyri Church. Take in the relaxed pace, harbour views, and surrounding mountains that make this town feel both peaceful and vibrant.

Enjoy one of Iceland’s most scenic road journeys, travelling through wide valleys, historic farmlands, and rugged highland landscapes en route to Borgarfjörður.

Distance: approx. 350 kms / 218 miles
Duration: 4.5 hours

Step into history at Reykholt, the legendary home of Snorri Sturluson. You walk through ancient grounds where sagas began. Explore the medieval pool and feel the weight of Iceland’s epic literary past.

Visit Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring. You witness 180 litres of boiling water erupting every second. Marvel at the steam and see unique ferns thriving in this intense heat.

Experience the mesmerising spectacle of Hraunfossar, where turquoise water trickles through porous lava rocks. Walk the scenic path to Barnafoss and witness the churning glacial torrents. You admire the striking contrast between vibrant falls and dark volcanic stone. Capture nature’s raw power.

Explore the Settlement Centre in Borgarnes and discover the fascinating stories of Iceland’s earliest settlers and legendary Viking sagas. Through interactive exhibits and engaging displays, gain insight into the history, culture, and people who shaped the nation.

Visit the striking Gerðuberg Basalt Columns, a dramatic cliff of perfectly formed hexagonal basalt formations created by ancient volcanic activity. This remarkable natural landmark showcases the geometric beauty of Iceland’s volcanic landscapes.

Visit Ytri Tunga Beach, a picturesque stretch of coastline known for its golden sands and thriving seal colony. Keep an eye out for seals basking on the rocks while enjoying views of the surrounding coastline and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Explore the charming fishing village of Arnarstapi, renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs, unique rock formations, and abundant birdlife. Stroll along the scenic shoreline and take in spectacular views of the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Explore the peaceful coastal hamlet of Hellnar, a historic fishing village surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lava fields, and sweeping ocean views. Its rugged natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it one of the most scenic stops on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Explore Snæfellsjökull National Park, a spectacular wilderness area dominated by the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull Volcano. Discover a diverse landscape of lava fields, rugged coastlines, volcanic formations, and scenic viewpoints that showcase the natural beauty of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Admire the majestic Snæfellsjökull Volcano, a glacier-capped stratovolcano that rises dramatically above the peninsula. Immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth, it is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks and a symbol of the region’s rugged beauty.

Visit Djúpalónssandur Black Beach, a dramatic stretch of coastline renowned for its black pebbles, rugged lava formations, and powerful Atlantic waves. Explore the remains of a historic shipwreck scattered along the shore and experience one of the most atmospheric landscapes on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.

Kirkjufell Mountain, with its distinctive cone shape, rises dramatically from the coastline near the town of Grundarfjörður. It's one of Iceland’s most photographed natural landmarks, often featured alongside the nearby cascading Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. Whether bathed in summer light or framed by northern lights, it offers a stunning, cinematic scene year-round.

Visit Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Explore the dramatic rift valley and learn about its historical significance as the site of Iceland’s ancient parliament.

Explore the Geysir Geothermal Area, home to bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and active geysers. Witness the dramatic eruptions of Strokkur, which shoots boiling water high into the air every few minutes.

Gullfoss Waterfall is one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders, featuring a dramatic two-tiered cascade plunging into a rugged canyon. The powerful flow creates misty rainbows on sunny days, adding to its majestic beauty. Easily accessible and awe-inspiring, it’s a must-see on the Golden Circle route.

Head to Reykjavik, take in the city’s charm, and enjoy a warm farewell dinner.

As your unforgettable Icelandic adventure comes to a close, head to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for your return flight home. Reflect on the stunning landscapes, unique experiences, and memories made throughout your journey.